Gabon to host 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

Gabon has been selected as the host for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, following a vote by the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) executive committee at a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, the BBC reports.

Gabon was selected ahead of competing bids from Algeria and Ghana. This will mark the second time the nation has hosted the tournament, having previously served as co-host in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea.

Libya had initially been scheduled to host the tournament in 2017, but elected to withdraw entirely last year as the country continues to be plagued by conflict and war.

Gabon is expected to use a total of four venues for the 16-team tournament. Two of the four venues were used during the 2012 games, in Libreville and Franceville. Two new venues, in Port Gentil and Oyem, are expected to be ready in 14 months, according the BBC. Games will be played in January and February.

The Ivory Coast won the bi-annual tournament earlier this year, defeating Ghana, 9–8, in a penalty shootout.

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